Best Straight for $150-250.00 Straight Razor suggestions. What do you think??

hmmm the Bismark spike point looks nice too.

I want to buy, at least, one new Dovo from SRD during the lifetime honing promotion. I had settled on the Bergischer Lowe, but now I'm less certain :( :confused:
I have a couple weeks to think about it still, so no huge rush.

My new Boker is a round point. I thought I might like them, and I do, but I kind of prefer the squarish point on my vintage Bengal. It is easier to get under the nose with the tip. That's why I'm leaning towards the BL. It's pretty and one of only two Dovos that aren't round points on SRD. I'll keep shaving with the round point Boker and see if the shape grows on me.

This thread has given me a lot of ideas of razors I'd like to get later on, but I don't want to miss the opportunity to grab a Dovo while I can get free honing :)

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Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Chaps,

May I gently draw your attention to this thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...azor-what.html (yes, shameless plug for my own rambling thoughts...). I think the term "best" may be quite misleading because, as you will see in this thread, definitions of "good" vary widely.

Just for the record, I own both a http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...6-8-black.html (thanks, Lynn!), and a http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...her-loewe.html. Given the choice between the two of them, I would, without any hesitation, go for the Bismarck. Which goes to show how differently we judge the characteristics of a razor.
So, coming back to my initial reply to the original poster's question, I think that recommendations for a price range covering basically every razor available in the market are pretty much useless, unless you specify what characteristics you are looking for in particular. Which, incidentally, the original poster never did.

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You made a very similar comment before . This Is what I wrote back.

"Im not exactly looking for the details per say or any straight in particular at all. I am just interested in what you guys would personally get for the money ($150-250) if you used it to shave everyday. As long as its a straight. I would love to hear what you guys would do then go from there"

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Originally Posted by TrevorMiller

"Im not exactly looking for the details per say or any straight in particular at all. I am just interested in what you guys would personally get for the money ($150-250) if you used it to shave everyday. As long as its a straight. I would love to hear what you guys would do then go from there"

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Yes, and I still maintain that the question is difficult to answer, if at all. Every razor is potentially an everyday shaver. The price range gives you access to everything except some hyped vintage razors, or custom made ones.

So basically, you are asking what the "best razor" is, and that question is more or less impossible to answer, cf the other thread. I understand the background of the question, but I do not think it a helpful one, as there is no way to extrapolate from one person's experience with a razor, the notable exception being consistency as suggested by Glen. In which case Joel's Chronik wins, because it does not need honing, ever.

Regards,
Robin

Lol. Big LOL. If you asked 50 people on this forum, you would get 50 different answers. If you're still curious, by all means, don't stop, but if your aim is to get a consensus, might as well stop now.

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Originally Posted by TrevorMiller

You made a very similar comment before . This Is what I wrote back.

"Im not exactly looking for the details per say or any straight in particular at all. I am just interested in what you guys would personally get for the money ($150-250) if you used it to shave everyday. As long as its a straight. I would love to hear what you guys would do then go from there"

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$250 is a lot of options, everyone has made good suggestions. Someone mentioned that you should spread that out to make sure you get other quality products. I think a good brush is equally as important as the strop and razor and soap/cream. I had a cheapo brush for sometime and I hated the thing. I eventually upgraded to a silvertip and I have enjoyed the shaving process much much more.

Anyway, I am still a newbie and have not shaved with too many razors but I would get either a Filly or a nice Dubl Duck simply according to their reputations. Or you could get a couple razors from the classifieds to figure out your preferences. Either way its hopeless, you will eventually end up with a dozen or so razors at least anyway. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by flampen85

Anyway, I am still a newbie and have not shaved with too many razors but I would get either a Filly or a nice Dubl Duck simply according to their reputations.

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I've said it before, and I'll say it again: That is a really good way to burn money. There are simply too many good razors out there to waste money on brand names.

Whatever.

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Originally Posted by BeBerlin

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: That is a really good way to burn money. There are simply too many good razors out there to waste money on brand names.

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Amen and Amen!

Avoid the "Razor of the Month" and those that are priced more on name. Not that Ducks and Fillys are not great shavers, but there are so many equally as good Solingen razors that can be had for $120 to $130.

I've recently purchased NOS pre Dovo Bismarck and a pre WWII Carl Schlieper for these prices and I guarantee they will shave every bit as well as a Duck Goldedge.

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Originally Posted by BeBerlin

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: That is a really good way to burn money. There are simply too many good razors out there to waste money on brand names.

Whatever.

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I have to agree and disagree with this statement. Yes it is burning money because better/equal razors exist for a lot less. But as I've been shaving, my grip has been evolving towards the brand name shavers. I have a few that aren't but the trend is even on the non-brand names towards things like inlay, bolsters, etc.

If you really like Solingen blades, DD's aren't that much of a waste- they're great shavers and look great.

On the other hand, at the end of the day, I will 100% agree with BeBerlin- who's to say your preference won't be sheffield full wedges? Then a DD is a COMPLETE waste. What I did and will advise people to do as long as I live is acquire/try a lot of different blades. What kind and how many depends on your budget, but I literally have blades in 1/16th increments from 3/8s to 8/8s (though I think I have since sold my 7/16ths and 11/16ths), and I have grinds from singing hollow to near wedge. All but 4 cost less than $20. Since this I now know what I like, and have spent more money on blades I know I will like that also have glitz.

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Originally Posted by khaos

I have to agree and disagree with this statement. Yes it is burning money because better/equal razors exist for a lot less. But as I've been shaving, my grip has been evolving towards the brand name shavers.

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I was going to say "big" brand names, but actually, I do not consider Filarmonica a big brand name. It's just the latest rave, and it will pass. Or maybe not, depending on how many people buy these things, driving prices through the roof to create a self fulfilling prophecy.

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Originally Posted by BeBerlin

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: That is a really good way to burn money. There are simply too many good razors out there to waste money on brand names.

Whatever.

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Thanks Robbin. I see what your saying. Everyones preference will vary greatly. Being new It's hard to know where to jump in. What are some of the razors without the big brand you speak of? ...if you will. Thanks Robbin

Anything old stamped Solingen Sheffield Thiers that you've never heard of in good condition. I got two NOS Solingen blades for $15 or $20 each- they shave just as well as the big brand ones I own.

Gents, there are a lot of responses criticizing the OP's question. Most think he is asking "what's the best razor", but that's not what I think he's asking. The best way to sum up his question as I see it is, "if you had $250 to spend on a razor, what would you buy?"

I'm less sure if this will be his first or only razor, but that doesn't mean you can't let him know what you would purchase.

That's my interpretation at least. YMMV :p

I agree. And I still stand by my statement that that doesn't really accomplish anything, because everyone has different tastes and styles.

Thanks Hayduke. Thank you, Thank you!! When your new you don't know what to get. The only thing I can do is ask you guys what you would personally purchase. It is very obvious that everyone has a different opinion. Yes you can ask 50 different people and yes the results will vary however roughly 50 response's so far and I'm already seeing a general pattern. Exactly why I joined this forum. To those who stated the obvious and didn't exactly answer my question..thanks for clarifying that people have different preferences.In regards to those who read and answered my question of what you think/would buy..Your suggestions are very much appreciated. Yes Your personal selections do vary and again that's why I joined the forum to open my options. You guys are pointing out some great straights. Remarkably some of your personal choices are generally the same.That's all I could expect at this point. Got to start somewhere. Furthermore with all do respect,as I have stated I KNOW RESULTS VAIRY. I EXPECT RESULTS TO VAIRY. If you wish to respond, and I hope very much you do,Please answer the question "Best Straight for $150-250.00 Straight Razor suggestions. What do you think?" Thanks. Your opinions are very insightful and are very much appreciated. Please keep them coming!

Interesting thread. Not the first time the topic has been discussed, so I have concocted a new FAQ entry for it. Feel free to amend and enhance (quotes are attributed in the Wiki, but cut and past into the forum breaks them, so they are not present in the quote below).

Regards,
Robin

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Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki
What is "a good razor"? What is "the best razor"?

There are many razors out in the market, and the choice can be confusing for a beginner. There are, however, many variables that contribute to the overall characteristics of a razor: Grind, steel, point, balance and all sorts of things play into people's preference of razors. Additionally, razors are hand made, and therefore, characteristics can vary even within the range of a single model. Other factors that contribute to the shaving experience can, and most likely will, be your level of experience, your manual dexterity, or even the products you use for face preparation. Some people like certain brands based solely on looks. Hence they pay obscene amounts of money for certain razors. Add to that a demand that is significantly higher than the supply available, and you might begin to understand why there can be no "best razor".

As far as good razors are concerned, there are some hard factors to consider:

• How does a razor perform on the hones?
• Do other razors of the same model perform consistently well? This might be difficult when passing a judgement on vintage Solingen razors which often came from small manufacturers which produced only a small number of a model.
• Finally, a look at SRP's razor review forum might be helpful. Most of the reviews in there are expert reviews, and will help you put the reviewed razor into a broader context.

Ultimately, though, the decision is yours, and yours alone. Whether a razor performs well for you depends on too many variables to pass a final, all encompassing judgement.

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I guess my other issue is if I say, oh, Dubl Ducks (because there is no risk of this getting worse) are all great shavers, the price sky rockets. And while that is true, they're not 5x the shaver as a, oh, Friedr. Baurmann. They're actually pretty equal in my eyes.

But to play fair, here are my favourite razors so far that I have tried:
J A Schmidt and Sohne (6/8s singing RP CS)
Friedr. Baurmann and Sohne (4/8s near wedge muted-SP CS)
Hess 42 (5/8s 1/4 hollow SP SS)
Ducks and duck relatives
FW Engels Leader (6/8s singing SP CS)
Robert Buntenbach Tambour (6/8s singing RP CS)

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Originally Posted by Hayduke

Lots of good input for you here, but I'll toss in my thoughts too...

You want to know what I would buy with a budget of $250? Easy...

As others have said, the Bergisher Lowe from SRD. If you buy it by 12/31, you get lifetime honing. In fact, I AM buying that razor on Friday (payday) :)

Edit for addition:
I should clarify. I am buying that razor next because of the special offer at SRD. If not for that, it opens up too many other options with that budget. The Bergisher Lowe will likely be my only Dovo though :p

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My Lowe Rider will be here by Tuesday! :y

Personally, for $250, in your position, I'd buy about four nice vintage razors (Sheffield/Solingen/French). Shave ready form reputable sources. If you didn't like them, barring calamities, you'd get your money back when you sold them. Wish I'd started out like that.

Dear Robert,

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Originally Posted by TexasBob

I just got that razor and find it a bit hard to shave with. I think it is the thumb notch design (i.e. narrow waist), with a tapered spine at that point and no jimps.

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So you own a 1/4 hollow Grelot, but have difficulty using the Dovo? How peculiar.

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Originally Posted by TexasBob

The razor wants to flop back and forth so it takes a great deal of concentration to keep it at the desired angle -- kind of a balancing act.

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Three things that come to mind:

1. You lack experience.
2. Your hands are wet (see 1. above for details)
3. The razor was honed by an amateur and doesn't shave like it should, thereby requiring you to apply too much pressure (see 1. above for details).

May I ask who honed it?

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Originally Posted by TexasBob

Do you have experience with this razor and any thoughts on this? I was considering wrapping it with some sort of cloth-backed or rubberized tape to give it a more positive grip.

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Oh, I do indeed. And I have no problems whatsoever using it. Quite the contrary, in fact.

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Originally Posted by TexasBob

Oh, yes, It is advertised as 6/8 but I measure it as 13/16.

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That's because all new Dovo's are POS' [sic!] Being a well respected member of B&B, you should really know better than to listen to a Dovo sales rep like myself.

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Originally Posted by TexasBob

EDIT: I also find it hard to strop for the same reasons listed above and put a nick in my TM strop. :cry:

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That's why we advise beginners to not invest too heavily into strops.

Kind regards,
Robin

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Originally Posted by TexasBob

Robin,

I just got that razor and find it a bit hard to shave with. I think it is the thumb notch design (i.e. narrow waist), with a tapered spine at that point and no jimps. The razor wants to flop back and forth so it takes a great deal of concentration to keep it at the desired angle -- kind of a balancing act. Do you have experience with this razor and any thoughts on this? I was considering wrapping it with some sort of cloth-backed or rubberized tape to give it a more positive grip.

Oh, yes, It is advertised as 6/8 but I measure it as 13/16.

EDIT: I also find it hard to strop for the same reasons listed above and put a nick in my TM strop. :cry:

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4/8 = 8/16
5/8 = 10/16
6/8 = 12/16
etc...

Was it a practice strop that you nicked? Otherwise, Tony does offer practice strops as well as Ruprazor.

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Originally Posted by BeBerlin

So you own a 1/4 hollow Grelot, ...

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Nope.

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1. You lack experience.
2. Your hands are wet (see 1. above for details)
3. The razor was honed by an amateur and doesn't shave like it should, thereby requiring you to apply too much pressure (see 1. above for details).

May I ask who honed it?

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I guess we all could always use a bit more experience.
I keep my hands dry.
Probably not honed by an amateur but you would need to ask Don or Lynn.

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That's because all new Dovo's are POS' [sic!] Being a well respected member of B&B, you should really know better than to listen to a Dovo sales rep like myself.

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Never said it was a POS. And I will take your advice with a grain of salt.

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That's why we advise beginners to not invest too heavily into strops.

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Haven't nicked a strop in months -- until I had trouble getting a grip on the Bismark.

Well, well, well. Isn't it remarkable how it is always senior (as in "maximum amount of posts in a minimum of time", not "experienced") B&B members who end up having idiosyncratic problems with Dovo razors?

Let me put it this way: This is SRP, as in Straight Razor Place. Not Bigotry & Bile. If you feel the urgent need to slander a manufacturer, feel free to do so back home. After all, Joel of Chronik not only condones but actively encourages such behaviour.

Oh, yeah, I don't have a shaving store ("I know if I had a shaving store - I would want to implement a rule here on B&B to protect myself and other vendors and help me make more money... wouldn't you do the same?"), either.

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Originally Posted by BeBerlin

If you feel the urgent need to slander a manufacturer, feel free to do so back home.

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I don't understand this.

Are you saying that because I have trouble using a razor I am somehow slandering the manufacturer?

If you mean I am slandering the honing job, you are the one who implied a problem with that.

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Originally Posted by TexasBob

I don't understand this.

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Let me help you understand then: The Dovo Bismarck is being used by several members here. None of them have reported the problems you claim to have. Which makes yours idiosyncratic. Just like the alleged problem the colourful J*el expressed in his memorable post about all new Dovo's being POS' (his grammatical idiosyncrasies, not mine). And then there is a whole bunch of sycophants who also claim (but, with the credible exception of Seraphim, always fail to deliver proof) that their Dovos are faulty, evil, or otherwise disturb their karma. But, as they say, if you lie down with dogs, you'll rise with fleas.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Robin

To reference something I said a few posts ago:

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Originally Posted by khaos

If you really like Solingen blades, DD's aren't that much of a waste- they're great shavers and look great.

On the other hand, at the end of the day, who's to say your preference won't be sheffield full wedges? Then a DD is a COMPLETE waste. What I did and will advise people to do as long as I live is acquire/try a lot of different blades. What kind and how many depends on your budget, but I literally have blades in 1/16th increments from 3/8s to 8/8s (though I think I have since sold my 7/16ths and 11/16ths), and I have grinds from singing hollow to near wedge. All but 4 cost less than $20. Since this I now know what I like, and have spent more money on blades I know I will like that also have glitz.

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Yes, the Bismarck is a great blade. But like every other blade, it might not be for everyone.

I'm gonna agree with TexasBob in that some narrow or smooth tangs can be hard to grip, but I will say that obviously they can still be gripped as BeBerlin points out- lots of us use them. That comes with practice.

Another contribution I have is I saved my first strop (my well used Illinois) as a practice strop. If I feel like I'm gonna have trouble with a new tang style or razor characteristic (weight, grind, whatever) I practice on the shoddy strop.

But finally it may not be my place to say it but this thread has been hijacked :OT, can we get back on topic with recommendations? Sorry guys.

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Originally Posted by BeBerlin

I hope this helps.

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Sad to say you have been no help whatsoever. You have been rude, accusatory and sarcastic.

Mark Twain had some good advice I can pass on to you:

Be respectful to your superiors, if you have any.

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Originally Posted by khaos

If I feel like I'm gonna have trouble with a new tang style or razor characteristic (weight, grind, whatever) I practice on the shoddy strop.

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Now that is good advice. Perhaps it will save me some grief in the future.

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Originally Posted by TexasBob

Sad to say you have been no help whatsoever. You have been rude, accusatory and sarcastic.

Mark Twain had some good advice I can pass on to you:

Be respectful to your superiors, if you have any.

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Tex,

I've admired how you have handled the repartee with BeBe in such a gentlemanly fashion.:rock: Were it I, by now I'd be absolutely seething at such treatment by a moderator.:dropjaw:

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Originally Posted by Bruce

Were it I, by now I'd be absolutely seething at such treatment by a moderator.:dropjaw:

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Since you're also a B&B member, you'll have a better feel special moderator treatment: How come that is is always B&B members who find fault with Dovo razors but you get banned for challenging such allegations over there?

I think this is just one big case of YMMV.

Either way, BeBerlin I do believe that your posts have come out rather rude. I'm not hopping into this conversation, but I am pointing out what I see.

Regards,
Kevin

Kevin,

I think we all agree that it is a case of YMMV. Which is why I amended the FAQ to that effect. If I came across as rude, I readily apologise, but I cannot hide a certain amount of exasperation at what is obviously a Dovo-bashing spillover from B&B. I didn't like it there, and I most certainly don't like it here.

Regards,
Robin

Robin

I've read many of your posts and recognize you as very knowledgeable and helpful. I have no issues with you or anyone else here, but I also detected an adversarial feeling to some of your posts on this thread. I understand that sometimes certain issues can "push our button" and trigger a strong reaction. I assume this is a case as such :)

I'm concerned that you seem to be implying that members that come here from B&B are not to be respected. I was at B&B before registering here. Since I didn't start with a straight, I didn't need to post here. I had been reading some of the threads and Wikis for over a year before I made an account here. Because I have posted on B&B does that mean you look down on me? I hope not as I think highly of you so far ;)

Anyway, sorry to continue the hijacking of the thread, so I'll help get it back on track.

This thread became more relevant for me this last weekend when my wife offered to buy me a "nice" razor up to $300. Since my selection criteria are a little different than this poster, I created my own thread. I'll go ahead and give one last bit of input to the OP's question of what razor would I buy under $250.

I think I would still get the Bergisher Lowe. If a "singing blade" is not your cup of tea, then the Bismark seems like it would be a stiffer/heavier alternative.

If you can push your budget a bit, maybe the limited edition mother of pearl from SRD? I think I'm going to have the Mrs. get me that one :)